Consent Manager

Matchtech; Dublin; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech seeks a Consent Manager in Ireland to lead consents management for a major rail infrastructure programme. The role oversees strategy, coordination and delivery of statutory and regulatory consents, ensuring timely permissions and regulatory compliance.

The successful candidate will be based in Ireland or willing to relocate; the position may be offered as contract or permanent. You will collaborate with authorities, design teams and delivery partners to embed consent requirements

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Planning, Environmental Management, Engineering, Law or a related discipline.
• Demonstrable experience delivering consents on major Irish infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of Irish planning legislation, environmental assessment processes and regulatory requirements.
• Experience working within the Railway Order framework or a similar statutory approval process.
• Established understanding of, and relationships with, Irish local authorities.
• Experience managing commitments registers, consent conditions and compliance tracking systems.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a complex, multi-stakeholder programme environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and maintain an integrated Consents Strategy aligned with programme delivery milestones.
• Lead planning and consent activities under the Railway Order process or equivalent statutory approval frameworks.
• Manage an integrated Consents Schedule, ensuring conditions, commitments and obligations are accurately recorded and auditable.
• Embed consent requirements into design development, environmental assessments and construction planning.
• Support delivery teams and contractors with the discharge of planning conditions and compliance obligations.
• Develop and manage Memoranda of Understanding with local authorities and statutory bodies.
• Act as the primary interface with consenting authorities to facilitate approvals and resolve issues.
• Maintain strong relationships with statutory consultees, regulatory bodies, property teams and land teams.
• Develop and maintain a Consents Risk Register, providing regular reporting on consent status, risks and issues.
• Manage external consultants, specialist advisers and consent-related inputs, supporting audits and governance activities.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Regulatory knowledge

Environmental assessment

Planning legislation

Railway Order

Risk management

Education

Planning/Law degree

Tools

Tracking systems

Job description

Our client is seeking a Consent Manager to lead consents management for a major rail infrastructure programme. This contract role will oversee the strategy, coordination and delivery of statutory and regulatory consents, ensuring permissions are secured promptly, compliance obligations are met and programme risks are effectively managed.

We are looking for an individual whom is presently based in Ireland or willing to fully relocate for the position. Whilst advertised as a contract position, the client is also willing to consider permanent staff applications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement and maintain an integrated Consents Strategy aligned with programme delivery milestones
• Lead planning and consent activities under the Railway Order process or equivalent statutory approval frameworks
• Manage an integrated Consents Schedule, ensuring conditions, commitments and obligations are accurately recorded and auditable
• Embed consent requirements into design development, environmental assessments and construction planning
• Support delivery teams and contractors with the discharge of planning conditions and compliance obligations
• Develop and manage Memoranda of Understanding with local authorities and statutory bodies
• Act as the primary interface with consenting authorities to facilitate approvals and resolve issues
• Maintain strong relationships with statutory consultees, regulatory bodies, property teams and land teams
• Develop and maintain a Consents Risk Register, providing regular reporting on consent status, risks and issues
• Manage external consultants, specialist advisers and consent-related inputs, supporting audits and governance activities

Job Requirements:

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Planning, Environmental Management, Engineering, Law or a related discipline
• Demonstrable experience delivering consents on major Irish infrastructure projects
• Strong knowledge of Irish planning legislation, environmental assessment processes and regulatory requirements
• Experience working within the Railway Order framework or a similar statutory approval process
• Established understanding of, and relationships with, Irish local authorities
• Experience managing commitments registers, consent conditions and compliance tracking systems
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively within a complex, multi-stakeholder programme environment
• Experience in rail or large-scale transport infrastructure is desirable
• Strong strategic thinking, organisational, risk management and problem-solving skills

This is an opportunity to contribute to a significant rail infrastructure programme, providing strategic leadership across consents management, governance, compliance and stakeholder engagement.